07/11/2011

Double British Army Murder Trial Opens

The trial of two men accused of murdering soldiers at Massereene barracks in 2009 is due to begin at Antrim Crown Court.

After long delays and legal arguments the two NI men who are accused of killing Royal Engineers' Sappers Mark Quinsey and Patrick Azimkhar - who were shot dead on 7 March 2009 - are for the dock today.

Colin Francis Duffy, from Forest Glebe in Lurgan, and Brian Patrick Shivers, from Sperrin Mews in Magherafelt, are charged with their murder.

They also face several charges of attempted murder.

There have been several delays including a bizarre claim that accused man Colin Duffy was subjected to sexual and physical abuse during a prison strip-search.

A defence lawyer told Coleraine Magistrates Court that 42-year-old Duffy, from Forest Glebe in Lurgan, had been left in "significant pain" as a result of the alleged physical abuse in prison, but this has been overruled with a recent judgment that the case should proceed.

The pair are also accused of the attempted murder of five others injured in the attack and possession of the two AKM rifles used by the gunmen.

Brian Shivers was arrested in July 2009 and is also accused of shooting dead Sappers Mark Quinsey, 23, from Birmingham, and Patrick Azimkar, 21, from London, at the Massereene Army Barracks, Antrim.

He was also accused of attempting to murder six others in the attack, which was orchestrated by dissident republicans.

(BMcC)

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